solitary dancer: dualism

'Dualism', is the sophomore E.P. from contemporary Montreal-based duo, Solitary Dancer. They released an eponymously titled debut E.P. on Midland's label Graded in late 2016 after their track ‘Desire & Apathy’ was featured in his Essential Mix. They are known for their elegant, richly-sculpted sound design and knack for propulsive club rhythms that eschew rigid 4/4 drum patterns. ‘Dualism’ opens with “Anything”, equal parts Drexciya and Dopplereffekt — full of low-end bass stabs, blipping synths; swelling and washing to a cinematic close. For the first time on a Solitary Dancer record, vocals make an appearance in the guise of a male companion who’s lamenting a lost lover. “Losing Touch” takes a classic electro beat, and through the use of elegiac pad washes, distorted bass and menacing vocals, morphs into persistently engaging shapes. The B-side's "Emails 2 Myself" is a suspenseful corralling of intriguing sonic elements. Its fractured 707 beats combine with melancholic strings and features vocals by Marie Davidson, another core member of Montreal's creative electronic scene. “I can’t turn off my brain”, she delivers with deadpan accuracy about head games in the age of computer communication, before harmonizing octaves into majestic elegance. Also included is the instrumental version of “Emails”, accentuating the bass drum, snare, hi-hat and melodic synth tones, sailing into the subdued evening sun of the future. All songs have been mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The record is housed in a custom made jacket designed by Eloise Leigh, featuring photographs by Scott Pilgrim, which explores themes of duality— an individual looking into a mirror, conjuring the image of a mannequin. A juxtaposition highlighting the ideal as the female self. Each copy includes a double-sided postcard with notes.